Pike County Extension Office outlines summer programs, launches 'Welcome to the Real World' training

Pike County Extension Office staff reported recent outreach events and upcoming programs during the July 16 commissioners' meeting, including a new financial literacy program for middle and high school students.

Staff said a "day in the county" event in June drew about 60 attendees (about 30 visited the master gardeners' walking storyboard) and that extension educators led sessions on "how to eat healthy on a budget." The office described active 4‑H programming (science labs, crafting, a county fair) and a sensory garden maintained by master gardeners at West Anne Street.

The office announced a new program, "Welcome to the Real World," aimed at students in grades eight through 12 to teach money management skills — Venmo, credit‑card basics, check writing and budgeting — adaptable for different ability levels. The program will be offered Aug. 19 at the Wayne County Extension Office; teachers who attend training to use the program can earn Act 48 professional development credits, the extension staff said.

Other upcoming master gardener events listed included "putting your garden to bed," terrarium workshops, winter sowing and a spring vegetable gardening series.